The temperatures may be dropping, but that doesn’t mean you should put up your bike for the winter. Cold weather motorcycle riding in Las Vegas can be just as enjoyable as riding in the summer months—you just have to adjust what you wear, how you ride and how you prepare before you hit the road. Keep reading to learn some top tips for riding this winter:
- Layer up: You can never put on too many layers before heading out for a winter ride. Even though you may be hot before you hop on the bike, you’ll find you’re nice and comfortable once you get on the road. For maximum comfort, wear pants and a jacket that are both windproof and waterproof.
- Wear thick gloves: In addition to wearing plenty of layers, be sure to protect your hands with thick winter gloves. If you’re planning on doing a lot of winter riding this year, you may want to consider investing in a pair of electric heated gloves.
- Block the wind: The wind is always going to be a factor when you’re riding a motorcycle, but it’s an even bigger issue when it comes to cold weather motorcycle riding in Las Vegas. Mount a windshield on your bike and raise it to the highest setting to block as much wind as you possibly can. Make sure you also have a helmet with a tightly-sealed, fog-proof mask.
- Prep your bike: Check your tire pressure and replace them if the tread is low. Make sure the antifreeze is fresh and ensure that all of the hoses are in good shape. If you don’t already have them, consider adding heated seats and heated grips to ensure you stay nice and toasty on the road. Now is also not a bad time to bring your bike to a professional for a tune-up.
- Stay hydrated: You might not feel thirsty when the wind is whipping at your face, but riding at this time of year can really dehydrate you. Pack a few extra water bottles and be sure to drink plenty of water before and after your ride.
- Eat before you ride: You’ll burn up to 600 calories per hour when you’re on your bike, and if your body has to work overtime to stay warm, you may even burn more than that. To ensure you can keep warm throughout the ride, eat a hearty meal before you hit the road.
- Ride safely: Last, but certainly not least, play it safe while you’re on the road. We advise that you go slower than you usually would, and take more frequent stops. Pulling over to grab a bite to eat and a warm beverage can make a huge difference in winter riding.
If you don’t own a bike or if yours is currently in the shop, come to Escape Eagles and rent one from us. We rent out a wide variety of bikes that are all well equipped for cold weather motorcycle riding in Las Vegas. Better still, we offer some of the lowest hourly and daily rates for all of our bikes!